Westboro Baptist member running for Kansas Board of Education

TOPEKA — A Kansas state school board candidate who thinks the state should stop teaching evolution in its public schools also attends Westboro Baptist, the Topeka church known for anti-gay protests worldwide.

Jack Wu said he decided to run for the State Board of Education after learning that Democratic incumbent Carolyn Campbell would otherwise be unopposed for a second term. She is also from Topeka and represents the 4th District of eastern Kansas.

Campbell supports the state's current science standards, which treat evolution as a well-established, core scientific concept.

But Wu's link to the Rev. Fred Phelps Sr.’s congregation that has created a buzz in education circles. Wu said he attends Westboro Baptist services and adheres to its teachings but isn't a full, baptized member.